I’ve Got Friends in Lowe Places – Tigers Win 5-3!

I told Chip after “C’est l’Avila” hit his solo shot in the 8th to pull Detroit within one run that the game seemed dead beforehand.  (PS- “C’est l’Avila” is a play off of “c’est la vie,” which means “such is lyfe” for all you French illiterates). I digress.  Bobby Seay walking three batters didn’t exactly liven things up for a fan on minimal sleep.  But then Avila awoke the sleepy fan base and served as the catalyst for all the good times that would ensue.

Thanks in large part to our newest friend, Mark Lowe’s struggles in the 8th (three hits and a walk), Detroit was able to stage a comeback, put up a 4-spot, and take a 5-3 lead into the 9th against the pesky Mariners.

At that point, Fernando Rodney came in and closed the door, but not before toying with the Mariners and our hearts.  Per Fernando Rodney’s Rule of Closing (FRRC), he just had to leave runners in scoring position and make every Tigers fan sweat profusely (more than I normally do while I’m merely sitting and staring at the computer).  After being up 0-2 in the count on Jose Lopez with 2-outs in the 9th, he fell behind 3-2, but then struck him out on pitch one million of the at bat to pick up save No. 25 on the season.

The outings might not be the sexiest, but they do the damn job.  Detroit is 44-6 when Fernando Rodney pitches and 55-0 when leading after 8 innings.  That’s a huge testament to how well Fernando Rodney has done this season in the closer’s role.

I don’t know about you, but with Mark Lowe being our best friend in the 8th inning tonight, and with the Tigers winning a big, come from behind game, I kind of want to do some Karaoke.  What better song than Garth Brooks’ Friends in LOWE Places?! Let’s sing it!

Other Random Thoughts from the Game:

• Ryan Perry does in fact have a tattoo on his throwing arm
• Rick Porcello was the best I’ve seen him as a Tigers’ pitcher, umm, until the 6th. Then he was probably the worst for 4 out of the next 5 batters before getting pulled.
• Rick Porcello is half a decade younger than me and has a much better looking 5 o’clock shadow.
• Miguel Cabrera’s 2-RBIs in the 8th were No’s 71 and 72 on the season, tying him with Aubrey Huff for the team lead
• Ryan Raburn, for all the crap I give him, made a nice slide in the 8th to record a stolen base.  That base was 4th base, or better known as home. Picture of box score for proof:
  
• The box score reminds me: Brandon Inge made an error that clearly appeared to be a result of his injured knee.  First one I’ve seen as a result of the injury though, so that’s a fairly good sign.
• Kansas City held on against the White Sox, so Detroit now has a 3-game lead in the Central Division. 
• Verlander pitches tomorrow. I hope he throws 105 MPH every pitch.
• Good night.